BEAVERCREEK — Although their playoff shot was slim, the Beavers took care of their business Friday night at Beavercreek High School.

Beavercreek started off slow, but shut out Kettering Fairmont in the second half to win big, 62-15

The Firebirds (2-8, 0-5 Greater Western Ohio Conference Central Division) took advantage of Beavercreek’s opening onside kick. With the ball on the Beavers’ 45-yard line after a recovery, Maurice Adika ran the ball into the endzone to start the game.

Fairmont also held Beavercreek’s offense in check in the first half. The Beavers (7-3, 3-2 GWOC Central) couldn’t get anything going, and a safety put them in a 9-0 hole early. They trailed 15-14 at the half.

Beavercreek was a different team in the second half. They allowed just two first-down conversions in the half, outscoring the Firebirds 48-0.

“We didn’t execute in the first half and we executed in the second half,” said Beavercreek coach Nic Black. “All phases – we had a big special teams play, created turnovers on defense, moved the ball on offense.”

“We’ve got a pretty emotional program before our senior night, and I don’t know if that started us without a spark. But our kids know how to execute on the formula to win.”

The Beavers had offensive production everywhere in the second half, especially from their seniors. Jarett Thomas had 122 yards rushing on five carries for three touchdowns in addition to a 37-yard touchdown reception. Tim Bradshaw finished with 162 yards on 26 carries and a 52-yard rushing touchdown. Stone Kincer had 118 yards on eight carries with two touchdowns, including a 52-yarder of his own. Hunter Maloney rushed for 36 yards on 11 carries with a touchdown run and pass. All players were seniors.

Beavercreek junior Jullian Linkhart returned an interception 46 yards for a touchdown.

Adika finished with 129 yards on 15 attempts for Fairmont. He had two touchdowns.

The Beavers will graduate over 25 seniors, a group that will be difficult to replace according to Black.

“This senior class is special. They’re really special. Their leadership…we’ve got guys that already going into the Marines and into the Navy. We’ve got multiple people pursuing academy appointments in that class. The leadership and character that is housed within our senior class is going to be extremely, extremely difficult to replace.”

Although official results won’t be posted until this weekend, Joeeitel.com reports that the Beavers have been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. They looked like a playoff team Friday night.

Black said the message to his players is the same either way.

“The message is exactly what I told them. If what those seniors did tonight was pass the torch to our junior class, then they did everything they could possibly do to set the tone and change the culture of our program,” he said.

“I could not, and our coaching staff could not have done it without that group of seniors. They deserve more credit than I could give them.”

Score by Quarters

Fairmont 9 6 0 0 — 15

Beavercreek 0 14 20 28 — 62

Scoring Plays

F — Maurice Adika 45 run, Sam Burt kick

F — Safety

B — Stone Kincer 52 run, Michael Chuck kick

F — Adika 24 run, Burt kick fail

B — Hunter Maloney 1 run, Chuck kick

B — Jarett Thomas 5 run, Chuck kick fail

B — Tim Bradshaw 52 run, Chuck kick

B — Thomas 27 run, Chuck kick

B — Thomas 37 pass from Maloney, Chuck kick

B — Jullian Linkhart 46 interception return, Chuck kick

B — Thomas 61 run, Chuck kick

B — Kincer 10 run, Chuck kick

The Beavercreek football team runs out to the field before the final home game, Friday night at Beavercreek High School. The Beavers defeated Kettering Fairmont, 62-15.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2015/10/web1_DSC_0013.jpgThe Beavercreek football team runs out to the field before the final home game, Friday night at Beavercreek High School. The Beavers defeated Kettering Fairmont, 62-15. Zach Gregory | Greene County News

Beavercreek coach Nic Black (center) talks to his players during a game against Fairmont, Friday night at Beavercreek High School.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2015/10/web1_DSC_00421.jpgBeavercreek coach Nic Black (center) talks to his players during a game against Fairmont, Friday night at Beavercreek High School. Zach Gregory | Greene County News

By Zach Gregory

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Reach Zach Gregory at (937) 372-4444, Ext. 2124.